The science-based technology company 3M has begun the next era in its long relationship with Loughborough after the official opening of new offices on Charnwood Campus.

Some 170 employees have relocated to Building 47 on the science, technology and enterprise park from 3M’s previous site at Morley Street, where it had been based since the early 1950s.

Their new 3,400m2 home has office space arranged over three floors and is set in 70 acres of landscaped grounds within half a mile of the company’s Derby Road manufacturing and distribution site.

The building was officially opened by 3M executives – including Julie Bushman, executive vice president, International Operations; and HC Shin, vice chair and executive vice president – at a lunchtime event attended by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Pauline Ranson, and other business and local community guests, including representatives from LATi.

The event included the planting of three sapling American Sweet Gum trees, in recognition of 3M’s US heritage.

The move by office employees is the first phase of the company’s relocation programme in the town. Its research and development laboratories – currently housed at Derby Road – will be joining them nearby on the campus in September this year.

3M is among the first companies to relocate to the campus, which in 2017 was designated as a Life Science Opportunity Zone, providing an environment to inspire discovery, encourage collaboration and accelerate business growth within the Med-Tech and Biopharma industries.

“We’re very excited to be here and to be part of what is set to become a vibrant working environment for future innovation in the region,” said Irfan Malik, managing director, 3M United Kingdom.

“Loughborough has long been the centre of our UK health care operations. The new offices and research and development facilities reflect the company’s position as a global, science-based technology company and will be supporting our future growth and development in the years to come.”

Another 600 employees are based at the company’s Derby Road site, which produces drug delivery systems and medical products. Significant investment in recent years has provided extra capacity to support growth of its branded and generic product portfolios and the site remains an integral part of 3M’s global supply chain organisation.

Representatives from LATi were delighted to attend the official opening event at 3M on Tuesday, 13th March. We wish 3M every success in their new home of innovation on Charnwood Campus.